abstract: In this survey we discuss various approximation-theoretic problems that arise in the multilayer feedforward perceptron (MLP) model in neural networks. Mathematically it is one of the simpler models. Nonetheless the mathematics of this model is not well understood, and many of these problems are approximation-theoretic in character. Most of the research we will discuss is of very recent vintage. We will report on what has been done and on various unanswered questions. We will not be presenting practical (algorithmic) methods. We will, however, be exploring the capabilities and limitations of this model.